horrible IUI experience

butterfly wings

So I had my first IUI yesterday and it was torture. My cervix and uterus are both tight and tilted so the nurse AND doctor had a VERY hard time getting the catheter through even with the guidance of an ultrasound and use of an tenaculum (clamp like scissors that holds the cervix in place). What was supposed to be a short procedure took an HOUR. It was very painful and the doctor didn't even get all the sperm through!!! I'm just disappointed that this happened but I'm trying to stay positive but I'll probably never do another IUI.

butterfly wings

Hmm....it's after 1:00 am here (now 12/27 here in St. Louis) but the time posted differently but the IUI was NOT done on Christmas lol but on 12/26

nettibug

Sorry to hear this :(

lookingforwardtobeingamother

I'm so sorry your experience was horrible. Its definitely not pleasant but shouldn't be more painful than a pap smear. How will the shape of your pelvis effect your delivery?

austingurl123

I understand completely. I have a tilted uterus as well. The internal sonograms are torture and paps are no fun. My nurse practioner and dr are always amazed at my ability to handle the pain, but I have a naturally high pain tolerance. When I was in the hospital, my nurse practioner came to see me and had a long talk with the nurses explaining when I say my pain level is at 3 or 4, then it's probably at 6 or 7 for most people. I went through 6 IUIs to get pregnant and have my twins. I have found a few things that help with the pain. 1. I would stare up at the ceiling and count the dots. 2. I would focus on the end result and visualize holding my baby at the end of all of this. 3. I am really close with my dr's staff, so they were great at talking me through the really rough moments and pausing to give me a second when I needed it. 4. I just kept reminding myself it's 10 minutes or pain (or whatever time) for a lifetime with my baby. 5. My dr suggested an Ipod or music to help me relax. I never tried that but it might work well. 6. Someone also suggested having the big O right before because it opens the cervix, but I never did that or asked my dr if that were true.
I can tell you that a tilted uterus does not effect pregnancy at all. As the baby grows, the uterus gets into the right position. So, if you can tolerate the pain and get pregnant, it should not effect you at all afterwards.